On March 20, The Garden Club of Jacksonville, in partnership with the Florida Native Plant Society Ixia Chapter, hosted the 2026 Native Plants Summit: Native Yard Makeover: From Decoration to Wildlife Destination. The event highlighted the critical role native plants play in creating sustainable habitats where wildlife can thrive while supporting a healthier environment for all.
Guests learned how simple, intentional changes to their yards can transform traditional landscapes into vibrant ecosystems that support birds, butterflies, and pollinators.
About the Native Plants Summit
The summit focused on how native plants can turn everyday yards into thriving wildlife destinations. By incorporating species adapted to Florida’s natural environment, homeowners can reduce maintenance, improve stormwater management, and create landscapes that are both beautiful and environmentally beneficial.
The session emphasized practical strategies such as native plant swaps, thoughtful design, and HOA-friendly approaches, making it accessible for anyone looking to get started. Attendees left with a better understanding of how to create spaces that not only look well-maintained but also actively contribute to the surrounding ecosystem.
Transforming a yard into a wildlife-friendly space starts with small changes—and the impact can extend far beyond your own backyard.
About Amy Franqui and Stephanie Means
Amy Franqui and Stephanie Means led the discussion, sharing their expertise and passion for sustainable landscaping.
Amy Franqui is a Florida native, Master Gardener Volunteer, and a member of the City of Atlantic Beach Environmental Stewardship Committee. Her journey into native plants was inspired by reading Bringing Nature Home by Doug Tallamy, which helped reframe how she views the role of home landscapes in supporting birds, pollinators, and the broader ecosystem.
Amy is passionate about helping others reimagine what a “well-loved” yard can look like. Through community workshops, library talks, Weed Wrangle events, and hands-on projects, she shares practical, approachable ways to replace invasive plants, reduce lawn space, and design landscapes that balance beauty, function, and neighborhood context. Her work bridges science and storytelling, encouraging residents to see their own yards as part of a larger ecological network.
Stephanie Means grew up as a farm girl in rural Upstate New York, where plants and nature have always played a central role in her life. After moving to Jacksonville in 2019, she became a Master Gardener Volunteer in 2022, and the following year was hired as the Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program Assistant for Duval County. She is an enthusiastic ambassador for sustainable landscapes, specializing in teaching residents how small, intentional changes in their yards can lead to significant positive impacts on Florida’s local water quality and wildlife. For Stephanie, the highlight of her work is empowering others to see their yards not just as property, but as a vital part of Florida’s ecosystem.
